CCW Protocol V on Explosive Remnants of War

Photo: Controlled demolition of a BLU-97 A/B bomblet, with the help of a self made shaped charge (Afghanistan 2002).

The Protocol on Explosive Remnants of War (Protocol V) was negotiated by the CCW Group of Governmental Experts in 2002-2003. The Protocol was adopted by the Meeting of the States Parties to the CCW on 28 November 2003.

OBJECTIVES

The Protocol recognizes the serious post-conflict humanitarian problems caused by explosive remnants of war and addresses post-conflict remedial measures of a generic nature in order to minimize the occurrence, effects and the risk of explosive remnants of war.

KEY PROVISIONS

Parties which become participants in an armed conflict bear responsibility with respect to all explosive remnants of war in territory under their control.

After the cessation of active hostilities, and as soon as feasible, such a Party to an armed conflict shall mark and clear, remove or destroy explosive remnants of war in affected territories under its control.

Parties shall, to the maximum extent possible, record and retain information on the use of explosive remnants of war, and make available such information to the party in control of the affected areas.
Parties shall take all feasible precautions to protect civilian population from the risks and effects of explosive remnants of war.

Parties shall cooperate among themselves and with other States and organizations, and shall assist each other in order to fulfill their duty of clearance, removal or destruction of explosive remnants of war.

TEXT OF PROTOCOL V ON EXPLOSIVE REMNANTS OF WAR

"BEFORE THE BLAST"

Also, you can see the'Before the Blast' DVDhere as part of the Office of Disarmament's Website. The DVD was financed by the CCW Sponsorship Programme in cooperation with Helioxfilm. The documentary was directed by Mr Gyula Somogyi, Coordinator of Protocol V on Cooperation and Requests for Assistance (2009). The film is also available on the United Nations Webcast.